Influence of health and work on early retirement.

Objective: The influence of health and work on early retirement and incentives for longer working were determined.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted of longitudinal studies on factors for nondisability early retirement. Besides, seven focus group interviews (n = 32) were conducted about reasons for planning retirement early and incentives to stay longer in work among workers with poor and excellent work ability.

Impact of work-related factors, lifestyle, and work ability on sickness absence among Dutch construction workers.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relative contribution of individual characteristics, lifestyle factors, work-related risk factors, and work ability on the occurrence of short (<2 weeks), moderate (2-12 weeks), and long (>12 weeks) durations of sickness absence.

Methods: Altogether 5867 Dutch construction workers with complete sick leave registration were followed from the day of their medical examination in 2005 until the end of 2006. The main outcome of the study was the duration of sickness absence, as registered by an occupational health service.

Prevalence, incidence, and recurrence of low back pain in scaffolders during a 3-year follow-up study.

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

Objective: To describe the natural history of low back pain by its prevalence, incidence, and recurrence during a 3-year period and identify risk factors for cumulative incidence and recurrence of low back pain in scaffolders.

Summary Of Background Data: Although some studies have described prevalence, incidence, or recurrence of low back pain, few studies have assessed two or more of these outcome measures simultaneously.

Risk factors for sickness absence because of low back pain among scaffolders: a 3-year follow-up study.

Study Design: A prospective cohort study was conducted.

Objective: To find risk factors for short-term (14 days) sickness absence because of low back pain among scaffolders.

Summary Of Background Data: Although some studies have described the relation between work-related risk factors for musculoskeletal disease and sickness absence, little is known about the role of individual, physical, and psychosocial factors and different end points of low back pain as risk factors for sickness absence among scaffolders.